Our latest Pacific Marine Fire Engine

Gruber Bros. · #1 15-01-08, 21:43

At the request of some, here are a couple of picks of our latest acquisition. It accompanies our other one, shown here on the Old CMP Site

Although the cab is very rusted the rest doesn't seem so bad, and although not shown in this picture we managed to get all of the original pipe work etc. It seems all of the oddities of these fire trucks are shared amongst the few that we have seen. Like enclosed back window, internal box just below window, extra gear shift handles (splitting 2WD & 4WD from the transfer case/PTO pump stick), cut chassis cross member to incorporate PTO pump, modified container holders on top of tire carrier/locker, extra reinforced rear bumper to name a few.

Has anyone ever seen direct evidence of one of these in military service (or an ARN on one for that matter)? We have heard of one vet who remembers seeing something similar on an airfield (Scone I think he said), although it is well known this setup was used by NSW Forestry Commision afterwards. Talking to one of their former employees, they apparently had a fleet of trucks coloured blue and yellow, but could they have bought their fleet from defense in that state?

PS: First time with pics, so hopefully it works!!!!

Gruber Bros. · #2 15-01-08, 21:47

And the data plate. Brisbane built?? Haven't found the number on the chassis yet to check the plate belongs to this vehicle, but still looking!

Gruber Bros. · #3 15-01-08, 21:54

And finally, on this Pacific Marine Engine and a couple of others we have noticed this device located just above the passenger step & below the cab (visible on pic 1). What does it do?

It looks like something to do with air. The dust cap is removed at the top to reveal a thread, and I think the oily bit at the bottom is a connector of some sought. It has a gauge on the right, but on this one the glass is warped and opaque and I haven't been able to get it out yet. All I can read is "Made in England", and the left end of the scale starts with "15". Has anyone seen it before, and if it is some sought of air regulator, what would be driven with it?

Thanks, Ben.

Richard Farrant · #4 15-01-08, 22:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Gruber Bros.
It looks like something to do with air. The dust cap is removed at the top to reveal a thread, and I think the oily bit at the bottom is a connector of some sought. It has a gauge on the right, but on this one the glass is warped and opaque and I haven't been able to get it out yet. All I can read is "Made in England", and the left end of the scale starts with "15". Has anyone seen it before, and if it is some sought of air regulator, what would be driven with it?

Hi Ben,

That is the tyre inflator filter housing, most British wartime trucks were fitted with them, but not all had the guage, which was often on the inflator hose. The cap at the top should pull off and the inflator hose screws on. Inside the housing is a fabric filter. The housing is coupled direct ot the outlet on the tyre pump cylinder head.

Gruber Bros. · #5 16-01-08, 08:15

Thanks Richard!

I figured it had to be something to do with air. Unfortunately the engine has been replaced with a Bedford in this truck.....so filter, but no air pump.

Ben

Keith Webb · #6 16-01-08, 08:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Gruber Bros.
And the data plate. Brisbane built?? Haven't found the number on the chassis yet to check the plate belongs to this vehicle, but still looking!

The chassis number fits in the series of surviving trucks or data plates I have on file, so the probability is this is correct.

Those clots at the Brisbane factory stamped the chassis code where they should have stamped WO38

There is another Brisbane built example, chassis 28442B00205 engine PR3887042 located at Yaven Creek.

Of the seven examples I have listed five were built in Perth, two in Brisbane.

Interestingly the next WO in the series, WO39 was also a tanker, the 400-gall water tanker version.

Keith Orpin · #7 16-01-08, 11:38

Ben,
You mentioned the engine has been replaced by a Bedford unit, did they also change the gearbox as well ?, as on the Chevy the tyre pump is mounted on the R/H side of the gearbox (as you stand in front of the truck) and engaged, using a long screwdriver, though a hole in the cab floor.
Nice find !
Keith

Gruber Bros. · #8 17-01-08, 21:24

Thanks Keith O,

Obviously a mental blank on my behalf, of course your right about the pump being on the gearbox. I was picturing the plate covering the whole, but just had it on the wrong bit!! Don't know if it's been changed, but it is still a CMP box, just minus the pump!

And Keith W,
Interesting info you share. So your 7 WO38's all still have the same body on the back? I guess that would be pretty good proof for me that the design is military based & not post-war forestry. And in addition to the ones you listed, our other mostly-finished-restoration-truck that I linked to on your site was built in Melbourne.

Cheers,
Ben

Richard Farrant · #9 17-01-08, 22:07

Hi Ben,

Here is another Chev Pacific Marine fire pump, ex-Mullengandra Bush Fire Brigade, photo taken about 10 years ago, in pretty good condition as well.

Richard Farrant · #10 17-01-08, 22:09

and a rear view...........

Rusty · #11 18-01-08, 08:46

Gee Gruber Bros. who found the truck?

Keith Webb · #12 18-01-08, 09:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Gruber Bros.

Interesting info you share. So your 7 WO38's all still have the same body on the back? I guess that would be pretty good proof for me that the design is military based & not post-war forestry. And in addition to the ones you listed, our other mostly-finished-restoration-truck that I linked to on your site was built in Melbourne.

Cheers,
Ben

Hi Ben

Yes, WO38 was the Pacific Fire Engine and a WW2 design.